Brisbane Named Playful City USA

Update 5/5/12 - Thank you to everyone who "Liked" Brisbane's picture on Facebook! We didn't win the contest, but KaBOOM! did tell us that they were so impressed with Brisbane that they're still going to send us some free t-shirts and - most importantly - we're still in the running for a $20,000 Construction Grant for a new playground. That announcement will be made on June 4, 2012.

Today, May 1st, marks a very exciting day in Brisbane history. For the first time ever, Brisbane was named by the national non-profit KaBOOM! as one of its 2012 Playful USA communities. We are now participating in an online contest to see which of the cities given this distinction is the most playful! Click on the image above and "Like" it. Feel free to "Share" it on your Facebook pages, as well, so that others can do the same!If we win first place, then it could open the door to a $20,000 Construction Grant for a new playground in town! Hurry, the contest ends Friday 5/4 at midnight!

KaBOOM! is dedicated to saving play, having built more than 2,000 playgrounds, successfully advocated for play policies in hundreds of cities across the country, and provides communities with online tools to self-organize and take action to support play on both a local and national level. Click here to read the press release which announces Brisbane's recognition as a KaBOOM! 2012 Playful City and see which other communities across the nation which were also named Playful Cities.

The City would like to thank KaBOOM! for this notable recognition, as well as the Mothers of Brisbane who have engaged the public to inventory and audit all playspaces and provide suggestions to the City. With that, enjoy this YouTube video featuring Mayor Lentz which was submitted along with our Playful City USA application to KaBOOM!

Play is healthy for mind and body, builds important social skills, and can be educational too.

When you play Lions BINGO, you help support our Scholastic Achievement Awards which can be given to any qualified applicant for any formal instruction from a GED, to trade school, Junior College, university,
undergrads, masters, and doctorate programs.

The Brisbane Prowl Fun Run has also been a source of Scholars Award funds.

Our largest restricted donation ever was received from the estate of our
dear long time resident, May Walch, who's husband Frank was committed to
helping Brisbane students supporting scholastic awards with his involvement in both the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, and the Brisbane Lions.

With a goal to give away over $20,000 a year in Scholars Awards, the LIONS
will need additional donations from the community and businesses to meet
a growing demand. Tax deductible donations should be directed to Brisbane
Lions Charities, a 501.c.3, and noted for restricted use. Please consult
your tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of any donations.

Our Awards dinner will be about fifty percent larger this year with our
applicants up from thirteen to twenty. We hope you can come join us in
congratulating them all!